It takes a lot of things going right for a blockbuster boxing fight to come to fruition. But once the papers are signed and events are lined up, it’s uncommon for a major one to fall apart unless there’s an injury involved.
But the upcoming mega fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is seemingly on the verge of collapsing, and the reason for the potential cancellation is stunning. According to Chris Manix of SI, Dana White’s involvement as the promoter for the event – at the behest of Turki Alalshikh – has AJ and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, close to pulling out.
Mannix claims that Joshua and Hearn have a contract stipulation that makes it clear that White’s boxing promotion company, Zuffa Boxing, can’t be involved in the Fury-Joshua event. Now, it’s up to the big-time promoters to find a solution.
David Benavidez could potentially step in for Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury
It sounds like the fight very well could fall through due to this. If Joshua backs out, two show-stopping changes could be made, according to Mike Coppinger. First, David Benavidez could step in for Joshua, although it would be very risky considering how much of a size and weight advantage the Gypsy King has over the Mexican Monster.
The other option could reportedly be an incredible fight between Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford. Crawford hasn’t fought since he took down Canelo Alvarez just over a year ago. At 42-0, Crawford retired from boxing shortly after, but the potential money and a headline fight against Garcia could possibly persuade him.
Clearly, Alalshikh now has to work through the complications of the event. He has delivered huge fights in the past, and Garcia-Crawford would certainly qualify as another one.
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